-and we'll see!" He bolted out
upon the steps.

"Delightful!" she cried after him. "What an opportunity the stage of
City Hall will afford for another!" She shut the door before he could
reply.

The Governor rallied him a bit on his disturbed looks as they rode on,
but Harlan was in no mood to relish jokes on that subject.

Governor Waymouth had no other guests at dinner. He did not broach his
business until they were seated in the little parlor of the modest
mansion. The room had been converted into a study.

"To date the session has hardly been what you hoped--perhaps that's too
strong a word--what you expected it would be, has it?" inquired the
Governor, his earnestness showing that he was ready to begin. He did not
wait for a reply.

"Matters have run in the old rut. Every one seems to be satisfied,
eh--even the radicals in the prohibition movement? Isn't that so? Their
men have introduced some new legislation, adding on more penalties that
no officer will ever enforce--but the mere legislation satisfies 'em.
Everybody satisfied, apparently." The Governor uttered that last
sentence in meditative manner. Then he straightened, and slapped his
hand upon his chair-arm so suddenly that Harlan started. "But I am not
satisfied!" he shouted. "I have let them run along. I have let them
introduce their bills. I have waited for the lawmakers of this State and
for the people to take some initiative. I gave them their call last fall
in my letter. I hoped that some part of this State was awake. But those
few who have shown some signs of civic interest have only pecked around
the edges of reform. Nothing has been done, Harlan Thornton. Not one
sweeping bill has been introduced. I have waited, hoping. I hoped the
people would arise and help me with this burden. But I've waited in
vain. There are only two more days in this session allowed for the
introduction of new business.

"My boy, I talked first with you about my becoming Governor of this
State. That's why I'm talking first with you about this matter. I shall
call every man of this legislature to me and talk with him privately,
and in that work I want your assistance. I want you to bring them to me.
I called you here to-night because to-morrow night folly and fashion
will rule all in this city, and I must be there with the rest. Let me
tell you, my boy, that when the men of this legislature awake, after
that night of frivolity, it will be to open their eyes on some serio